Sunday, June 28, 2015

Some recent - and updated - projects

I've been off on a bicycle touring vacation in Minnesota and Wisconsin - pretty country. We're home now, and I've had a chance to get back to some polymer. I miss having my "fingers" in the clay when I'm away from home, and it feels good to be making some pieces, and augmenting others. Just yesterday, I taught a workshop on painting polymer with Pearl-x powders. We had as many different results as we had participants, and everyone had a good time experimenting and learning. Here are a couple of pieces I made as part of my demonstration. On the red clusters with bronze stems pieces to the left, I used a micro-pearl for the background. These pieces I finished with Magic Gloss. The next set with the basket weave pattern was finished with several sprays of Preserve Your Memories II.The two finishes make the pieces look quite different. The Magic Gloss adds a depth that looks like a piece of glass. This creates a really shiny surface that seems to distort the background slightly. The PYM II makes a shiny satin finish that leaves the colors and textures clear. It certainly is a matter of personal preference.
While I was using the Magic Gloss, I decided to finish up a few mosaic pieces I'd made a while back and hadn't finished. Each of these pieces now has a layer of Magic Gloss. On the mosaic pieces, the gloss adds depth but there is no distortion of the design - probably because the design is so specific and sharp.

The last photo is another mosaic piece that still needs "grout" and a final finish. I really like the colors in this one.

Both of these techniques are a lot of fun. They are time consuming in some ways, though I find that I get caught up in the processes and don't notice the time it takes.

About Me

Art and creativity are an important part of my life. I love making things - and I love to teach. I feel so fortunate to have found mediums which allow me to do both! I enjoy working in beadweaving, PMC, polymer and porcelain, though recently polymer and beadweaving have "taken over" my time and attention.
If you have questions or would like to contact me, drop me a line: kyfoss@comcast.net I'd love to hear from you.

Upcoming Workshops & Classes

My upcoming classes are listed on the Workshops and Classes page.

Just posted!! New classes are now listed for Meiklem's, through August. Polymer classes through July at Thistlebeads have also just been listed. Polymer classes are offered at Meiklem's in Bozrah, CT, and at Thistlebeads in Niantic, CT. Come join us for some great claying fun! Questions? Contact me at: kyfoss@comcast.net.